Saquon Barkley’s breakout came at the perfect time for the Giants to get revenge

PHILADELPHIA – Saquon Barkley wasted no time reminding the Giants that he’s still Saquon Barkley.

“We definitely saw how they celebrated when they beat us the last time,” Barkley said. “But I think one of my favorite things that Coach (Nick) Sirianni says is that the revenge mentality lasts five minutes, and then you go back to your habits.”

Barkley reached 21 mph on a 65-yard touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage Eagles demolish Giants 38-20.

“I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t,” Barkley said, looking skyward. “Finally.”

He averaged 3.3 yards per carry, a sharp decline from 5.8 during his stellar first season as an Eagle.

He rushed for 150 yards and would have had 200 if he had not injured his groin on a 28-yard gain on the final play of the third quarter and was replaced by Tank Bigsby.

Barkley said he could have returned if necessary. He has the bye week to rest now anyway.

“I wasn’t worried about it,” Barkley said.

The Giants limited Barkley (12-58 rushing, 2-9 receiving) in their 34-17 win.

It was his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, and it came at the perfect time for the Eagles, with WR AJ Brown (hamstring) sidelined.

Barkley also had a 9-yard TD run in the first half that gave the Eagles a lead they never relinquished.

“We came out and did some different things that we’ve never done before, and Saquon hit it with a full head,” quarterback Jalen Hurts said.

The Eagles heaped praise on first-year play-caller Kevin Pattullo, who replaced now-Saints HC Kellen Moore. They were looking for a balanced offense.

“When it comes together, it’s a thing of beauty. That first round is what it’s looked like for a very long time. You give us space — that’s what teams try to do; they don’t want to give us any space — you give us an opportunity, you give us space, and good luck.”